THE EXILED KING

FORGIVE ME EVELYN

Just then, Nolan stepped into La Bella Noire.

He paused for a moment at the entrance, scanning the elegant rooftop like a man on a mission.

His sharp brown eyes moved from table to table, slowly… carefully… as if searching for someone important.

He was searching for his wife.

At the far end, Hilda spotted him first.

She smirked and whispered under her breath, “Well, well... the average Joe is here.”

The other women turned quickly.

Even Evelyn.

And for the first time in her life… she felt ashamed of him.

She wished she didn’t know him. She wished he would turn around and disappear.

But he didn’t.

Nolan’s eyes found her.

And almost immediately, his face lit up with a soft smile.

Without hesitation, he started walking toward their table.

“Oh, the average Joe is coming,” Freda said mockingly, lifting her glass. “Everyone be on your guard.”

The women laughed quietly—but then, like a strange magic passed over them, they all adjusted their posture.

Their backs straightened.

Their faces tightened.

No more giggles.

No more ease.

It was like they all put on invisible armor.

Nolan reached the table and gave a polite smile.

“Good evening, ladies,” he said gently.

“Evening,” Hilda replied, her voice was cold and flat, her eyes not even meeting his.

“Welcome,” Freda added with a fake grin.

“The great Nolan himself.”

Clarissa only raised a brow and sipped her champagne.

Nolan ignored the tone.

He turned to Evelyn.

“Hey, babe.” He leaned in, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and kissed her softly on the cheek.

Evelyn flinched just a little.

It was small… but the others noticed.

Still, Nolan smiled.

“Can we go outside?” he asked. “I have something for you.”

Evelyn turned to look at him fully now.

Her voice came out sharper than she intended.

“How did you find me here?”

“Come on, Evelyn,” Nolan said with a soft smile. “You’ll love the surprise I have for you.”

Evelyn turned to him sharply, her eyes were burning.

“Nolan, why are you here?” she snapped.

“You weren’t invited. I’m out with my friends, and you’re ruining it!”

Her voice was loud. Loud enough that several people at nearby tables turned to look.

A few heads tilted in curiosity. A few others whispered.

Nolan felt a chill run down his spine. His skin tightened. Goosebumps crawled across his arms.

Embarrassment.

Big, heavy embarrassment.

But still… he didn’t flinch.

He stood his ground.

“Well… it seems you’re still mad,” he said quietly. “But I understand that. However…”

He paused, then brought his fingers to his lips—and whistled.

Loud and sharp.

Immediately, the doors of La Bella Noire opened once again.

And in came a jazz band—fully dressed in traditional French outfits. Berets. Red scarves. White shirts. Black trousers.

They walked in with smooth steps, instruments in hand. Without delay, they began to play a soft, romantic tune.

The melody floated like sweet perfume.

Then, the dancers came in—male and female ballet performers in flowing costumes.

They twirled and moved gracefully.

The male dancer kept reaching out for the female dancer… kneeling… stretching his hand… showing how sorry he was.

The female dancer, at first, turned her back… but slowly, beautifully, she began to respond to his moves. Her eyes softened. She danced toward him. They touched hands.

The performance was so touching that the entire restaurant went quiet.

Phones came out.

Customers began to record the scene, with smiles all over their faces.

A few ladies placed their hands on their chest.

“Awwww…”

“This is so sweet…”

Then, another man stepped forward.

He was dressed neatly in a black tuxedo. In his hands was a cake—beautifully decorated with pink and white cream.

He walked to Nolan and handed him the cake.

On the cake, the words were written clearly:

PLEASE FORGIVE ME

Nolan turned to Evelyn again.

“I know what I said two days ago at your Apex Ascendency Gala was out of place,” he began slowly. “And I know I went too far. I said things I should never have said. Things that hurt you.”

He held the cake gently, his eyes were calm.

“You are a smart… strong… beautiful woman. You’re everything I’ve ever needed in a woman. And yes… maybe emotions made you do some things too. But I forgive you for those… and I ask that you forgive me too.”

His voice was sincere. His eyes didn’t blink.

Evelyn sat still. Her mouth was slightly open. Her heartbeat faster than before.

She looked around.

Many of the female customers—especially those in their forties and fifties—were wiping small tears from their eyes.

“So cute…” one of them said.

“If my husband did this, I would forgive him in one second…” Another said.

Evelyn looked at the cake. Then at the dancers. Then at Nolan.

Then slowly… she turned to her friends.

Her eyes asked the question silently: Should I forgive him?